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Saturday, March 7, 2015

The Butterfly Edition

Here I go again apologizing for being a sometimes, almost never blogger. I was in Arizona for 10 days, just returned yesterday with the same snow still on the ground. So that was part of the reason, but come-on the last time I posted was Valentine's Day and that was Feb 14th and this is March 7th. What the heck. Anyway, I had a really, really great break from our snow & cold, stayed busy the entire time, saw 3 movies, went to Tucson, visited the zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Butterfly Garden. Went shopping, out to a birthday lunch, tagged along while Joyce bowled and enjoyed a leisurely lunch after with a new friend. Out to dinner practically every night, quick trip to Superstition Mountain, and perused the Swap Meet where I bought 3, yes 3 purses. Oh the list goes on and on, needless to say I am in recoup mood today. Taking a breather before the next round of events here at home begins.

While there I met up with my gal pal, photography lover & blogging buddy at Focusing On Life, Terri Porter to visit the Butterfly Wonderland and the Desert Botanical Garden. Thought I would share just a few of the gazillion photos I took while there. Visiting the Butterfly Wonderland is truly a treat. Flying free and landing anywhere their wings decide. I had them in my hair, on my arm, in my hand, on my back. I could feel them when they landed, but only just slightly. So here a few of those glorious winged creatures.

This one had just hatched from the cocoon, so she is brand spankin' new!!

Loved the way the light shined on her wings. Hmm is it shined, shinned or shone??

Whoa, this is almost too close....

OMG, nature is just incredible!!

Each one is just drop dead gorgeous.

Look at the way the light illuminates the antennae!!

If you hop over to my collaborative blog "Focusing On Life" you will see a variety of the green in Arizona, along with a couple more butterflies.

I spent 10 glorious days in the desert, but it's always nice to return home. My kids were indeed glad that it was me who opened the door last night. So many wags and kisses, ahhh the love of a dog is unparalleled.

Hi Deanna, I'm wondering if you used the macro lens for these? Also, did you use the tripod? I know - too many questions. I'm practicing with my new macro lens but my results are nothing like your superior images. Yours are so vivid and crisp. Did you pay these butterflies to pose or what? Hope your snow soon melts and you can share your Chicago spring.

Oh my gosh Deanna, you're one busy gal.. and three purses.. you are a woman after my own heart! Love the exquisite butterfly images, do you use auto or manual focus? Thank you for coming by sharing your creative photography on the Weekly Top Shot, #168!

Welcome home, Deanna! I am just so thrilled that you enjoyed your winter break so much. As I looked at your gorgeous butterflies I couldn't help but anticipate the wonderful time we're all going to have there together in November. I just wish our very own Butterfly Queen could go with us. Although we might never get her out of there.

So glad you had a great trip and love your butterfly shots. Bet that desert botanical garden was also great! When I was in Phoenix, my friend stayed an extra day and went there too.. she loved it. Guess I will have to go back and see it. Glad you are home safely, and don't worry about the frequency of your blogging. This is for fun and not an obligation! Hugs to you